On many mornings I roll out of bed and my hair actually looks as good or better than it did the day before, but on other mornings – oh, my! Today was one of those mornings. Usually I don’t care about that, but my husband had invited our possibly future painter over to take a look at the rooms we would like painted. Well, I guess now he’s seen me at my worst, and it can only get better. My husband is trying to trade painting for some time at our little beach cottage, so hopefully that will work out. Both of our children will be in college this Fall, so we are all about being very frugal. But all I can think about right now is a trip to Cool Cottons for new fabric. I played around with various violets, oranges, and greens from my stash (for my Color Play group), but my tastes have changed so much over the years. I’m craving fresh fabrics. I’m going to have to make a little quilting budget for myself. Would it be wrong to have more money set aside for quilting than for food?
This is a picture of the quilt whose leftovers fueled my half hexagon quilt-a-long. It is bright and busy, and most fabrics were chosen by my daughter several years ago. It still needs a purple border on two sides. When I went to sew the last two borders on, I realized that I made a cutting error and they are totally wonky. So I cut into them for more purple for the half hexagon quilt. Now I need to find a purple that is similar so I can add the last two borders. I think I will like that look better anyway.

Here is a close-up of the fabric that started the whole thing. I am calling the quilt "Molly's Closet," because she does have a lot of shoes and bags. My husband would probably lovingly call it "The Entryway," because that is where a lot of the shoes and bags hang out. My shoes can usually be found under the computer (or the sewing machine, when it's set up).

This block is actually the same one I used for the Buttermilk Farm quilt (see pastel quilt in banner with large center appliqué).

You need to know that I am not a photographer and I do not have a green thumb. But I love flowers and all the pictures of flowers that so many quilting bloggers display. I am really enjoying my yard right now (despite the fact that it needs a lot of TLC). You will note today and in the future that I only seem to take pictures in the yard when the grass needs mowing.
I adore this lovely, brave little pansy that decided to make itself at home in a crack in the driveway -- just next to the grass that needs mowing and edging.

This rose looks so beautiful this morning. Again, please note that I am a terrible gardener. Out of about 7 or 8 rose bushes, this is the only rose that was photo worthy.

This little grouping of pots on my deck is such a joy to look at. We purchased far fewer flowers this year, and my husband picked them out. Now, I have never noticed cosmos in pots before – usually just taking over someone’s flower bed -- but I am enjoying these so much. We certainly have less variety this year, but my enjoyment is just as great. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the weather is going to cooperate for a Father’s Day dinner on the deck. The whole family arrives around 1:30, but as soon as they leave, the sewing machine is going right back on the dining room table and the half hexies are going to start coming together. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Happy Quilting!